“Surely my Katie would welcome the next dance?” Mrs. Convey prompted.
Lord Roberts smiled. “Ah yes, Leo, surely?”
“I’d rather not.”
The entire group fell silent. Mrs. Convey was apparently so shocked, she could merely stand there with her mouth hanging open. A pale Lord Roberts looked as if he’d have an apoplexy. They looked so ridiculous that Ella had the insane desire to laugh.
“Leo,” Ella whispered furiously, “may we get something to drink?”
Leo shrugged indifferently and led her toward the table. Far enough away from their new friends, she stepped closer to him and took the opportunity to nudge Leo in the ribs.
He frowned down at her. “What was that for?”
“Why do you have to be so incredibly rude?”
“When was I rude?”
Were they even in the same room? Had he not been there? “With Mrs. Convey.”
“How was I rude? She asked if I’d like to dance with her daughter and I said no. I was merely honest.”
Ella brushed an imaginary speck from her skirt, realizing there was some truth to his statement, yet not wanting to admit as much. “Well, you were hardly encouraging friendship.”
The music ended, and the dancers left the floor, flushed faces laughing gaily. Ella smiled to the few who looked her way, and most of them smiled back. Not such a bad sort, most likely just curious.
“Friendship?” Leo asked, his brows drawing together.
“Yes, you said you would make new friends. More…pleasant friends.”
He smiled, his teeth a brilliant white against his tanned face. Ella’s heart skipped a beat. “Of course, how could I forget?”
He was easily the most handsome man in the room, perhaps the most handsome man she’d ever met. She shook her head, brushing aside such silly thoughts.
“You can’t deny a request to dance.”
“I thought the man was supposed to ask? Besides, I hadn’t the slightest desire to dance with that woman’s daughter.”
“Sometimes we have to do things we don’t want to do.” Dear Lord, she felt as if she were talking to one of Lady Buckley’s children.
Leo laughed. “Why? We’re adults, Ella.”
Obviously, it wasn’t going to be as easy to control Leo as the children. Flustered, she left his side and snatched up a glass of lemonade. Really, who did he think he was? He moved to stand beside her, and she had to force her mind to thoughts other than his body and how he’d looked naked in the folly.
The music flowed through her, vibrating around her soul and calming her frayed nerves. Brightly colored dresses swirled around and around the dance floor like butterflies on a breeze. Men and woman flirted and laughed, sweeping past each other, barely touching, yet she could feel the energy in the air. It was easy to see who danced with someone for propriety’s sake and who danced with the object of infatuation. The shy smiles…the sidelong glances. Is that how she looked when she was with Leo?
“Would you care to dance, Ella?”
“What?” She spun around to face him, so close she could see the gold flecks in his eyes.
“You were swaying and smiling again. Would you like to dance?”
He wouldn’t dance with Mrs. Convey’s daughter, but he’d dance with her? She couldn’t deny she felt strangely ecstatic at that realization. But the meek Ella, the woman used to being nothing more than a wallflower, certainly couldn’t agree. “I can’t.”
“Why not? Didn’t you just tell me it’s rude to deny a request?” Even as he asked the question he took her cup and pushed it into the hands of a passing man. The man looked at it, bewildered, then looked at Leo and scampered off.
“Leo, I can’t! Not after you’d denied Mrs. Convey’s daughter.”
“Do you not know the steps?” he asked and took her elbow in his firm grip.
“Yes, I do.”
“Well then, I see no reason why we can’t dance.”
He pulled her toward the dance area. Ella’s frantic gaze scanned the room looking for assistance…but Lord Roberts, her only possible savior, was busy socializing. She hadn’t danced in years; what if she tripped? What if she looked the fool? Before she could come up with an excuse, she found herself standing at the end of a line of dancers. Across from her, Leo bowed. It was truly starting…She couldn’t leave now. With no other alternative, Ella took in a deep breath and focused. Instinctively, the steps came forth.
“Have you never danced at a ball?” Leo asked as he swept past her, majestic and elegant.
She waited until they were face to face again. “At home, we used to dance when my grandfather played the violin.”
They moved back to their lines, and Ella’s gaze went immediately to Leo. How could she not admire the way his jacket fit snugly to his broad shoulders? Or the way his hair gleamed in the firelight? His eyes met hers, and her heart clenched. It seemed she couldn’t look away. In those amber orbs was the memory of their day in the folly, the day in the field.
Heat washed through her. As if she floated, they met in the middle of the floor. Her hand touched his, and they spun around. Only their fingers connected, yet she felt him all the way to her toes. It was as if they were the only two in the room. The lights blurred together, and the music faded into a low buzz. Time no longer existed. Her harsh breathing and the thump of her pulse drowned out all other sound. Could he hear her heart beat? Did he know how he affected her?
“The dance has ended,” he said softly, some moments later.
She glanced around to see they were the only two left standing on the floor. Blushing, she stepped back from him, breaking their contact. Guests openly watched, their heads bent together as they whispered, no doubt wondering if they’d lost their minds.
Perhaps she had lost her mind. In the middle of a dance floor, she’d lost her wits and possibly her heart. Weaving around people, Ella scurried toward a corner of the room. Leo was right behind her; she could sense him following. She wanted to be alone, to escape his presence, but his large body trapped her against the wall. She turned away from him. He stepped up behind her, his body hot against her back.
“What is it?” he asked.
His warm hand rested at the small of her spine, his fingers curling around to the side of her waist. Even though no one would notice the intimate touch, she noticed.
How could she explain that she didn’t know if she could stand another day with him? If her feelings already ran this deep, how would she feel in the end? Would they part and never see each other again? She didn’t think she could bear that.
His other hand rested on her arm.
Her stomach jumped. “You need to socialize,” she said in a rush of air.
“What?”
“You…you need to socialize.” She nodded toward the ballroom. “You said you’d come here to mend your reputation, so go fix it.”
He pulled her back and spun her around, so he was in front of her, blocking the guests from view. Ella took a step back, until her shoulder blades hit the wall. Leo followed, his body pressing closer.
He lifted a brow. “That is what has you bothered?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
He grinned and leaned closer, his hand braced on the wall beside her head, trapping her.
“What…what are you doing?” Was that her voice that came out in a high pitched squeak?
He leaned so close, his breath was a warm caress against her ear. “I think that dance made you uncomfortable, and my presence unnerves you.”
She couldn’t look at him for fear he’d read the truth in her eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. Why would it?”
“Perhaps touching me reminded you of the folly.”
Her gaze jumped to his. Surely, no gentleman would mention what had happened there. Yet, he was very adamant that he was no gentleman. Her face burned with embarrassment, but she couldn’t seem to look away. There was a connection between them, a connection she couldn’t explain, yet it had been there from the
very first moment she looked into his eyes.
“Of course not, why would it?”
“Some say that intimacy between a man and woman is like a dance.” He leaned so close, his lips touched her ear and sent shivers of heat down her spine. “I haven’t stopped thinking of the folly. It haunted me all last night.”
Ella swallowed hard, willing her heart to cease its mad race. Just when she’d decided to treat him as a friend, he went and did this to her…made her body ache with a need only he could satisfy.
She closed her eyes for a brief moment, praying for strength. “Why must you insist on teasing me?”
“Tease? I never tease.” He reached out and took a loose curl between his fingers. “Teasing implies that you flirt without satisfying. And I always satisfy.”
“Look at you two cuddling here in the corner. Really, I’m touched,” Henry snapped, jerking Ella back to reality.
Heat shot to her cheeks, and she glanced furiously around the room. Practically everyone present was watching them.
“We’re supposed to be saving your reputation, dear cousin, not destroying it further,” Henry seethed, and this time he had a right to be angry. Had Lord Roberts noticed how close Leo stood to her? A sinking feeling of dread weighed deep in her gut.
Leo didn’t bother to look at Henry, but kept his eyes on her. “I could care less about my reputation, and you are interrupting a very important conversation.”
Henry’s lips lifted into a snarl. “Dear Lord, man, look at you. Why don’t you just lift her skirts here and get it over with.”
Leo spun around, his hands clenched at his sides. “I have told you before and I will tell you again, but this is the last time. Do not speak that way to her.”
Henry smirked. “Or what? You’ll attack me in a crowded ballroom? Do it and they’ll haul you off to New-gate. I dare you.”
Leo stepped forward, and for a moment Ella feared he’d actually hit his cousin in front of the entire blasted ball. Then Leo’s gaze moved to the steps at the front of the room. He stiffened, his eyes going wide.
“Leo?” Ella said softly. “What is it?” She looked to the steps but could see nothing out of the ordinary in the few men and women gathered there.
Without a word, Leo pushed Henry aside and raced toward the stairs.
He recognized the man. Even still, so many years later, Leo hadn’t forgotten that face. People gasped as he pushed through the crowd. He didn’t bother to apologize. He didn’t have time. Blood roared in his ears, and his heart pounded against his chest as he rushed across the room.
How many times had he seen that face in his nightmares? How many times had he seen those brown eyes laughing at him, that malevolent smile in the crowds? Only this time he knew it was real, not some figment of his imagination. The man turned on the steps and started toward the door.
“No,” Leo growled and quickened his pace to a run.
Behind him, he heard Ella’s soft voice call out his name, but he ignored her plea, ignored the gaping guests, ignored the gasps of shock when he shoved people aside. He would not lose that man. Not when he’d waited over a decade to find him…to find any clue. The man slipped outside and merged into the darkness. Leo took the steps three at a time and burst into the cool night. His frantic gaze darted from shadow to shadow.
Footmen and drivers chatted amicably, smoking cigars and sipping from flasks. He grabbed the nearest man by the collar. “Where is he? Short, squat man, brown hair, just left wearing a top hat.”
“I…I…”
“That way, Gov,” a younger footman rushed out, pointing across the street.
Without a backward glance, Leo raced across the road, dashing between carriages. Entering a dark alley, he paused.
No movement. No sound.
“Merda,” he snapped.
He spun around and rushed back onto the street. Horse hooves clomped through the night air, his harsh breathing loud in the quiet. Gone. No sign.
“Leo!” Ella’s voice broke into his thoughts.
Leo spun around to see her rushing toward him, his grandfather and Henry steps behind her.
“Leo, what is it? What happened?”
“I saw him. One of the men my father hired to guide us through India. One of the men who attacked my parents. I saw him.”
Ella gasped, her gloved fingers pressing to her lips.
Henry nudged Ella aside and stepped forward. “Leo, do not be ridiculous. Why would the man be here? Think about it.”
How badly he wanted to slam his fist into Henry’s face. “I don’t know, but it was him.”
“Leo,” his grandfather said. “How could you possibly remember? That was so long ago.”
“It was him,” he growled through gritted teeth.
“So what?” Henry said. “Do you want us to search every home? Send out men to sweep the neighborhood?”
“The village is small enough. Yes.”
Henry released a wry laugh. “I can no longer deal with this man. I’ll find the carriage.” Shaking his head, Henry swept away.
“Leo…” His grandfather started. Then, as if he had no idea what to say, he, too, shook his head and shuffled away.
Merda! He wanted to scream with the injustice of it all. But strangely, he didn’t care what they thought. He only cared about the woman before him. “Ella.” Leo gripped her upper arms, drawing her closer. “It was him. I know it.”
She took her lower lip between her teeth, her brows furrowed in obvious confusion. Finally, she gave him a curt nod, and the confusion clouding her eyes vanished. “I believe you, Leo.”
And for some reason it was all he needed to hear.
Chapter 15
Ella lifted the branch of an oak tree and slipped underneath into the small clearing. The roar of water and chirp of birds mingled into a cheerful morning melody. She scanned the moss-covered boulders until she found Leo, sitting with one leg drawn up and staring blankly at the waterfall. He looked so blasted alone that her heart clenched.
“Leo,” she called out and climbed over the rocks.
He didn’t acknowledge her, acting as if he hadn’t heard her call. But she knew he had. With a sigh, she sat next to him and studied his face. Dark shadows marred the area under his eyes, and his hair was loose and wild, so like him. She resisted the urge to wrap her arms around his waist, to rest her head on his shoulder and promise him everything would be well.
“How is it that you always know where to find me?” he asked.
Ella flushed. How could she explain that she could sense him at times? “Well, you come here often. I merely guessed.” He didn’t respond to her lie. “I spoke with your grandfather.” Still, he didn’t move, didn’t even blink, but continued to stare at the swirling water. “Based on your description, he narrowed it down to one of six men in the area.”
His amber gaze flashed to hers. “Where do they live?”
Ella swallowed hard, knowing the moment she told him, he’d rush off. “Leo, you need to remain calm about this—”
“Where do they live?” he demanded once more, so determined to bring his parents justice that she feared he’d do anything, even give up his own life.
She sighed. “Leo, what happened in that jungle?”
He looked away.
A slight twinge of disappointment made her shoulders slump. She thought they were friends, that he trusted her. But how could she help him if she didn’t know exactly what had happened?
“Here,” she whispered, slipping a piece of paper into his hand. “It’s the list of men with their locations. I recognized only one name, Convey. We meet his wife at the ball. The rest, I haven’t a clue as to their identity.” She stood and turned to leave, lifting the hem of her skirt and starting down the rocks.
“My mother woke me late that night.”
She hesitated, her heart racing in her chest. Would he share, or turn cold once more?
“She told me the men we hired had turned on us. She wanted me to run to the neare
st village. I obeyed, but when I got there, the entire place had burned to the ground. Akshay was the only survivor.”
Ella turned slowly and settled on a boulder, afraid if she moved closer he’d stop talking. “The people who turned on you, they burnt the village?”
“Yes. Women, children, elderly. It didn’t matter to them who died.”
Ella’s stomach churned, and she had to look away for fear he’d see her disgust and stop speaking.
But he kept his focus on the water, his eyes wide and vacant. “I raced back to our campsite. It was quiet. I thought perhaps they’d left. They had, but not before killing my parents. I saw them, lying by the campfire atop a pool of their own blood. My father’s arm was outstretched as if reaching for my mum. Afterward, Akshay and I buried them where the campsite stood.”
The deep heaviness of his sorrow weighted down on her soul. Tears stung Ella’s eyes. “And the man you saw last night?”
Leo snapped a flower from its stem, the pop unnaturally loud. The stoic coldness of his face sent a shiver of unease down her spine. “He was one of the men my father hired. Had been with us for weeks.” He shook his head. “How could he?”
She didn’t know how to answer that question, for she didn’t understand herself. “How many men were there?”
He tossed the daisy into the waterfall and watched the bloom get sucked under with the current. “Five in all. Then two more appeared that night: two men I’d never met before and whose faces I never saw.”
“And you believe Henry and his father were behind the deaths?”
Leo met her gaze. “I know. Whoever those men were, my parents recognized them. One they called Will. They were shocked he was involved. I was sure…positive I’d heard the name Will before, as a child. But my grandfather insists we have no relative with that name.”
Ella didn’t want to think about it any longer. Didn’t want to know what happened. Her stomach churned, and she knew she couldn’t take much more. Who could do such a treacherous deed to their own family? Surely, the world wasn’t this evil. She couldn’t believe it.